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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission this week awarded state grants to several Oklahoma communities for various airport infrastructure projects. The Commission awarded the grants through its Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

“We know through this year’s Aviation & Aerospace Economic Impact Study that 109 airports in the Oklahoma Airport System are responsible for $10.6B of annual economic activity. It is important to maintain and continually improve our state airport system to meet the needs of users of the system such as business, aeromedical, and personal. The Commission is pleased to provide Oklahoma communities with federal and state financial assistance to develop and maintain their local airports,” said director of aeronautics Victor Bird. “These airports are gateways to the world for communities across our state.”

The Commission approved a state grant project identified in the Commission’s approved Capital Improvement Program at Sand Springs William R. Pogue Airport. The project consisted of constructing a concrete hardstand within the main aircraft parking apron. The estimated total project cost was $175,000 and would be funded with $166,250 of state grant funds and $8,750 of sponsor matching funds.

The aviation economic study showed the Sand Springs William R. Pogue Airport has annual economic activity of $4.6M. The regional business airports are the backbone of our state’s air transportation system and are located at the economic centers in the state. The Commission continues to focus the majority of the federal and state funds to regional business airports and projects that make significant improvements to the system.

There are many factors that draw employers to a community; one of these factors is the proximity of a general aviation airport. General aviation is an effective business tool. Using general aviation improves business efficiency, enabling companies to expand their market areas. When local companies use general aviation, their travel time can often be reduced from days to hours. Airport data indicates businesses that use William R. Pogue Municipal Airport include Ugly John’s Custom Boats, CCR Construction, RW Bright Architects, Inc., Spess Oil Company, Yellow House Machinery Co. (equipment), Stage (department store), Comtech (design), Woolslayer (equipment), and others. Aviation strengthens these businesses, benefiting local jobs.

The CIP is the method used by the Commission to determine where federal and state funds will be invested. These decisions regarding airport development are consistent with achieving the goals laid out in the Oklahoma Airport System Plan (OASP). Airports included in the OASP are functionally classified as regional business, district or community. For more information about the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission programs and the 2017 Aviation Economic Impact Study results, visit oac.ok.gov.

(CUTLINE: At the December 6, 2017 Aeronautics Commission meeting, Dale Williams, deputy director of airports for the agency presented the agenda item regarding a Sand Springs Airport grant in the amount of $175,000 which was passed by the full Commission. Photo credit to OAC staff.)